Wrap up warm

We may have had the hottest October on record, but there is definitely a nip in the air now! So, whether you are attending an organised event or braving your back garden, make sure that you are wrapped up warm. There is little fun to be had when standing around for long periods of time in the damp. So make sure you keep the ooh’s and aah’s coming when the fireworks are set off by ensuring that little (and big!) hands, feet heads and necks are covered up. It would be advisable to also wear something waterproof so that you can withstand the rain should it decide to descend.

Food

If you are planning food for your own event then baked potatoes, sausages, baked beans are good as they can be prepared in advance and then kept in the oven on a low heat until everyone is ready to munch. Such Bonfire Night Fare can also be consumed to give you something warm in your tummies before you head off to an organised event.

Building a bonfire

Use a small bundle of dry wood, leaves and any newspaper that you have been saving and put them on the ground in the centre of a boundary circle. Place a couple of substantial pieces of wood either side, to keep the kindling wood in place, then some more logs at right angles across the first two to make a square and provide a platform for the rest of the fire. Start to add your firewood on top, criss-crossing it as each layer fire grows, increasing the size and filling any large gaps with kindling where any layers don’t touch, to make sure that you get an even burn on all sides.

If you leave a small tunnel to access the centre of the fire near the bottom it makes the bonfire easier to light. To finish it all off construct a pyramid of wood around the platform. The shape is important to ensure the materials collapse inwards, fuelling the flames below and not following outside the boundary circle.

When it’s time to light your fire, light a newspaper torch to set the centre of the bonfire alight. Never, never, ever use petrol or paraffin to light or restart a fire.
For information about the legal restrictions and guidelines on Bonfires, click here

And for government advice on managing your bonfire click here

Fireworks

Fireworks can be set off legally only until midnight on Bonfire Night and are banned from 11pm to 7am during the rest of the year, except for certain festivals. 

Be sure that if you are setting off your own fireworks that you print off and read the Firework Safety Code.

Keep a bucket of water nearby and also one of sand if you have some hanging about. These are good for extinguishing sparklers but also necessary in case you need to dampen anything down.

Please keep your pets inside with a few treats and plenty of cuddles to keep them happy!

So you’re ready to light the blue touch paper and stand well back. Alternatively, you can attend one of the many Bonfire Night events taking place in and around Aberdeen. Just have a look at thebestof Aberdeen's Events Page to see what is happening. Click here for the events page.

Enjoy Bonfire Night – keep safe, warm and happy and remember your ooh’s and aah’s of appreciation!